Health Library
Vitamin D Levels May Fall When Women Stop Taking Birth Control THURSDAY, Aug. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Vitamin D levels may drop after women stop using birth control pills or other contraceptives with estrogen, researchers report. The vitamin is involved in the immune system and in managing calcium in the blood, which influences bone health. The body produces it when exposed to sunlight. During pregnancy, women produce higher amounts of vitamin D to help fetal bone development and are at increased ri...
Vision Trouble Can Dim Life's Prospects THURSDAY, July 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- People with vision problems may face a higher risk of unemployment, poverty and mental health problems, a new British study suggests. "Our focus has mostly been on severe visual loss and treating the eye diseases that cause it," said Mary Frances Cotch, chief of epidemiology at the U.S. National Eye Institute. "This study is saying we probably shouldn't wait until that time since people with mild visual loss are being af...
Video May Aid End-of-Life Decision-Making THURSDAY, June 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Watching a video about end-of-life care options may help patients with advanced heart failure choose the approach best for them, a new study finds. The choices include comfort-focused care versus more invasive care that could extend their days. "Because the course of heart failure is uncertain, in part because of improved therapies, doctors may be reluctant to initiate a conversation with their patients about advance c...
Von Willebrand Panel Does this test have other names? von Willebrand factor antigen test, von Willebrand factor activity test, ristocetin cofactor activity test, factor VIII coagulant activity test What is this test? This panel of tests is used to diagnose von Willebrand disease. This is a bleeding disorder that causes excessive bleeding from minor injuries or normal physical processes such as menstruation. It's the most common inherited bleeding disorder, but few people with the disease have symptoms. ...
VLDL Cholesterol Does this test have other names? Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol test What is this test? This test measures the amount of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in your blood. VLDL cholesterol is a type of blood fat. It's considered one of the "bad" forms of cholesterol, along with LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This is because high levels cholesterol can clog your arteries and lead to a heart attack. Sixty percent of a VLDL particle is a triglyceride, This test is usually use...
Vitamin D Does this test have other names? 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-high-DROX-ee-VIE-tuh-min D), 25(OH)D What is this test? Vitamin D is mainly found in fortified dairy foods, juice, breakfast cereal, and certain fish. This vitamin plays many roles in the body. But because it helps the body absorb calcium from foods and supplements, it's particularly important for bone health. Vitamin D has many additional roles in the body. Vitamin D comes in several forms. When ultraviolet light, such as sunlight, hits...
Vitamin B-12 and Folate Does this test have other names? Cobalamin, Cbl, folic acid, FA What is this test? This test measures the levels of vitamin B-12 and folate in your blood. Your body needs vitamin B-12, also called cobalamin, and folate, also called folic acid, to function normally. Both nutrients play important roles in creating red blood cells and making DNA and RNA to help build cells. B-12 also helps your nervous system function as it should. B-12 is found in fortified cereals and animal produ...
Viral Culture Does this test have other names? No. What is this test? This test checks to see whether an infection is caused by a bacterium or a virus. It can also tell which specific virus is causing your infection. Viral infections can cause illnesses anywhere in the body. This includes the skin, digestive tract, urinary tract, brain, lungs, and eyes. These illnesses can range from minor problems to serious diseases. Viral cultures are done in different ways, depending on your condition and the virus ...
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Does this test have other names? VEGF, vascular permeability factor, VPF What is this test? This test measures the amount of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in your blood. VEGF is a substance that helps encourage the growth of new blood vessels. Your body makes more VEGF in certain cases. For example, if your tissues aren't getting enough oxygen, they may make more VEGF so that new blood vessels grow to bring in more oxygen. Your lungs contain VEGF because go...
VDRL (CSF) Does this test have other names? CSF VDRL, neurosyphilis test, neurosyphilis detection test What is this test? This test looks for signs of neurosyphilis in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Syphilis is a bacterial infection. It's a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can also be spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Neurosyphilis happens when syphilis isn't treated. It eventually affects the spinal cord, brain, and membranes surrounding the brain. Having HIV or AIDS increases the risk...
Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody Does this test have other names? Serum varicella immunoglobulin G antibody level What is this test? This test looks for antibodies in your blood that your body makes against the varicella-zoster virus. The varicella-zoster virus is very contagious. It can cause two health problems: chickenpox and shingles. When you become infected with the virus for the first time, it causes chickenpox. After having chickenpox, most people become immune to the virus for the rest of their ...
Varicoceles Varicoceles are veins that have expanded, or dilated, because of swelling. The condition is much like varicose veins that occur in the legs of some adult women and men. Swelling occurs when veins inside the spermatic cord aren't working properly. The spermatic cord is a structure that contains vessels and other tissues joining each testicle to the body. Veins in the cord normally take blood back to the heart, and tiny valves inside the veins keep the blood flowing in the right direction. Val...
Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) What is VWD? Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot. What causes VWD? VWD is almost always inherited. This means it is passed from parents to children. People with the disorder may have low levels of a blood protein called von Willebrand factor. It helps the platelets in blood stick together to stop bleeding. Sometimes von Willebrand factor is present, but not working well. VWD may also cause problems with another clott...
Virtual Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Screening Virtual colonoscopy is a procedure that is done to look for small polyps or other growths inside your colon. Polyps that grow on the inside lining of the colon sometimes turn into colon cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends that most men and women begin screening for colon cancer at age 50. If you have a family history of colon cancer or are at high risk for other reasons, your healthcare provider may want you to begin screening even earlier....
Vertebroplasty What is vertebroplasty? Vertebroplasty is a procedure used to treat fractures or breaks in the vertebrae. The vertebrae are the bones in your back that are stacked on top of each other to make your spine. Your spine supports your weight, allows you to move, and protects your spinal cord and the nerves. AMuscsk_20140310_v0_005 In vertebroplasty, a special, thick cement mixture is injected into a fractured vertebra. When vertebroplasty is successful, the cement mixture stabilizes the verteb...
Vasectomy What is a vasectomy? Vasectomy is surgery a man may choose if he does not want to father any more children. It's permanent male birth control. During the surgery, two tubes called the vas deferens are cut and sealed. The vas deferens carry sperm from testicles to the urethra (the tube inside the penis). Once they are cut, sperm can't get into the semen or out of the body. The testes still make sperm, but the sperm die and are absorbed by the body. A man who's had a vasectomy still makes semen ...
Vascular Dementia What is vascular dementia? Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer disease. It's caused when decreased blood flow damages brain tissue. Blood flow to brain tissue may be reduced by a partial blockage or completely blocked by a blood clot. Symptoms of vascular dementia may develop gradually, or may become apparent after a stroke or after undergoing major surgery, such as heart bypass surgery or abdominal surgery. Dementia and other related diseases a...
Voice Disorders What are voice disorders? A voice disorder is when a person has a problem with pitch, volume, tone, and other qualities of this or her voice. These problems occur when the vocal cords don't vibrate normally. Your voice is the sound that air makes when it is forced out of your lungs and passes over your vocal cords. Vocal cords are the two folds of tissue inside your larynx, also called the voice box. The vibration of those cords is what produces speech. Examples of voice disorders includ...
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) What is ventricular tachycardia (VT)? Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a fast, abnormal heart rate. It begins in your heart’s lower chambers, called the ventricles. VT is defined as 3 or more heartbeats in a row, at a rate of more than 120 beats a minute. If VT lasts for more than a few seconds at a time, it can become life-threatening. The rapid heartbeat does not give your heart enough time to fill with blood before it contracts again. This can affect blood flow to the rest...
Ventricular Fibrillation What is ventricular fibrillation? Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) is a dangerous type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. It affects your heart’s ventricles. Your heart is a muscle system that contains 4 chambers; the 2 bottom chambers are the ventricles. In a healthy heart, your blood pumps evenly in and out of these chambers. This keeps blood flowing throughout your body. An arrhythmia that starts in your ventricle is called ventricular fibrillation. This occurs when the e...
Vestibular Balance Disorder What is vestibular balance disorder? Dizziness and vertigo are symptoms of a vestibular balance disorder. Balance disorders can strike at any age, but are most common as people age. Your ear is a complex system of bone and cartilage. Within it is a network of canals. These are called semicircular canals. There are also fluid-filled pouches. These are called the otolithic organs. These structures contribute to your sense of balance. Part of this system includes the cochlea. Th...
Varicella-Zoster Virus Strain OKA/MERCK Live antigen Solution for injection What is this medicine? VARICELLA VIRUS VACCINE (var uh SEL uh VAHY ruhs vak SEEN) is used to prevent infections of chickenpox. HERPES ZOSTER VIRUS VACCINE (HUR peez ZOS ter vahy ruhs vak SEEN) is used to prevent shingles in adults 50 years old and over. This vaccine is not used to treat shingles or nerve pain from shingles. These medicines may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have qu...
Vitamin A, Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) Oral solution What is this medicine? COD LIVER OIL (kod LIV er oil) is a dietary supplement. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Some products may have other nutrients. This product is not approved by the FDA for any medical uses. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. How should I use this medicine? Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the product label or talk to your health care provider. You ...
Vitamin A (Palmitate) Oral emulsion What is this medicine? VITAMIN A (VAHY tuh min A) is a vitamin found in nature. It is added to a healthy diet to prevent or treat low vitamin A levels. It is also used to treat some genetic skin problems. How should I use this medicine? Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. For best results take this vitamin with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often ...
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Oral tablet What is this medicine? PYRIDOXINE (peer i DOX een) is vitamin B6. It is added to a healthy diet to prevent or to treat low vitamin B6 levels. How should I use this medicine? Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. For best results take this vitamin with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of t...
Vorinostat Oral capsule What is this medicine? VORINOSTAT (vor IN oh stat) is a chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). How should I use this medicine? Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Do not chew, crush, or open the capsules. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Talk to...
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) Oral tablet What is this medicine? A multivitamin containing folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. How should I use this medicine? Take by mouth with a glass of water. May take with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is usually given once a day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What side effect...
Voriconazole Oral suspension What is this medicine? VORICONAZOLE (vohr ih KON uh zohl) is an antifungal. It stops the growth of some fungus and yeast. This medicine is used to treat many kinds of fungal infections. How should I use this medicine? Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use the oral dispenser that was supplied with this medicine to take your dose. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or one hour af...
Vitamin B No Help for Alzheimer's: Review WEDNESDAY, July 16, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Taking B vitamins does not slow age-related mental decline or prevent Alzheimer's disease, a new review says. People with Alzheimer's have high blood levels of a compound called homocysteine, and people with elevated levels of the compound have been shown to be at higher risk for Alzheimer's. It's known that folic acid (vitamin B-9) and vitamin B-12 lower homocysteine levels, so it was believed that taking B vitamins ...
Venograma renal (Venograma renal, Venografía renal, Venograma de los riñones) Descripción general del procedimiento ¿Qué es un venograma renal? Un venograma renal es un procedimiento de diagnóstico que brinda información sobre el estado de la circulación de los riñones. Un venograma renal utiliza rayos X y un colorante de contraste intravenoso (IV) para visualizar las venas en los riñones y las venas que transportan sangre fuera de los riñones. La solución de contraste hace que los vasos sanguíneos apar...
Vision and Hearing Sometimes, babies have problems with vision or hearing. These problems may be due to a birth defect or prematurity. Vision and hearing loss in babies requires clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding vision and hearing, for which we have provided a brief overview. Retinopathy of Prematurity Hearing Loss in Babies
Viruses, Bacteria, and Parasites in the Digestive Tract What are viruses, bacteria, and parasites? Viruses, bacteria, and parasites are living organisms that are found all around us. They exist in water and soil, on the surfaces of foods that we eat and on surfaces that we touch, such as countertops in the bathroom or kitchen. Some bacteria live in our bodies and do not cause problems. Other kinds of bacteria (as well as parasites and viruses) can make us quite ill if they invade our bodies. Bacteria an...
Viral Exanthems (Rashes) Many viral infections of the skin in childhood are called "viral exanthems." Exanthem is another name for a rash or skin eruption. Viral exanthems (rashes) require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Rubella (German Measles) Rubeola (Measles) Roseola Fifth Disease Chickenpox
Viral Skin Infections Viral skin infections require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding viral skin infections, for which we have provided a brief overview. Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Pityriasis Rosea Warts Molluscum Contagiosum
Venas Varicosas ¿Qué son las venas varicosas? Las várices o venas varicosas son venas dilatadas visibles a través de la piel, como cordones retorcidos de color azul o púrpura que parecen nudos. Las venas varicosas se pueden presentar en cualquier parte del cuerpo, pero se encuentran con más frecuencia en las piernas. Las hemorroides, un tipo de venas varicosas, pueden aparecer durante el embarazo alrededor del ano o en la vagina. ¿Qué son las arañas vasculares? Las arañas vasculares, un tipo de venas va...
Visión General de la Cirugía Los Tipos de Cirugía El Entorno Quirúrgico El Propósito de la Cirugía
Visión General del Equipo de Tratamiento de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación ¿Qué especialistas forman el equipo de tratamiento de PM&R? El programa de rehabilitación se diseña específicamente para cada paciente dependiendo de su lesión, trastorno o enfermedad. La base para el tratamiento rehabilitador es un enfoque multidisciplinario en los cuidados y los servicios. El término multidisciplinario hace referencia al hecho de que varias disciplinas colaboran para conseguir un objetivo común. Generalme...
Visión General de la Medicina Física y Rehabilitación ¿Qué es la medicina física y rehabilitación? La medicina física y rehabilitación (su sigla en inglés es PM&R), conocida también como fisiatría y como fisioterapia, es una especialidad médica que se ocupa de la restauración de las capacidades perdidas a causa de una enfermedad, trastorno o lesión. La fisiatría ofrece una atención integrada y multidisciplinaria que tiene por finalidad la recuperación integral del paciente, abordando sus necesidades...
VIH y SIDA ¿Qué es el SIDA? El SIDA (síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida) es causado por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), que mata o altera las células del sistema inmunológico y destruye progresivamente la capacidad del cuerpo de luchar contra las infecciones y ciertos cánceres. El VIH se propaga generalmente por el contacto sexual con una pareja infectada. El término SIDA se aplica a las fases más avanzadas de la infección por el virus VIH. Los criterios oficiales para la definición del...
Visión General del Cuidado de la Salud en el Hogar ¿Qué es la salud en el hogar? Antes de la medicina moderna, los cuidados médicos en el hogar eran muy comunes y rara vez se hospitalizaba al enfermo. Actualmente, con la tendencia creciente a disminuir la permanencia hospitalaria, el cuidado de la salud en el hogar está ganando popularidad. Mientras que en el pasado los cuidadores generalmente eran amigos o miembros de la familia, en la actualidad el cuidado de la salud en el hogar, es un servicio ofrec...
Visión General de los Cuidados de Hospicio ¿Qué son los cuidados de hospicio? La palabra "hospicio" literalmente significa "un lugar de refugio". También es el tipo de cuidado que se proporciona en el hogar para ayudarle al paciente enfermo en la etapa terminal de su vida. Los cuidados generalmente incluyen alivio de los síntomas y ofrecer apoyo psicológico y social para el paciente y sus familiares. El objetivo de los cuidados de hospicio es proporcionarle al paciente con enfermedad terminal, paz, como...
Vellosidad Excesiva [Hirsutismo] ¿Qué es la vellosidad excesiva? La vellosidad excesiva, también conocida como hirsutismo, está caracterizada por el crecimiento anormal de vello en zonas de la piel donde normalmente no hay vello. Si bien esta condición puede afectar por igual a mujeres y hombres, es usual que sólo represente un problema para las mujeres. ¿Cuál es la causa de la vellosidad excesiva? La vellosidad excesiva tiende a ser hereditaria, en especial entre las familias de origen mediterráneo. En...
Verrugas ¿Qué son las verrugas? Las verrugas son crecimientos no cancerosos en la piel provocados por el papilomavirus. Son más comunes en los niños que en los adultos, si bien pueden desarrollarse a cualquier edad. Pueden contagiarse a otras partes del cuerpo y a otras personas. Hay muchos tipos diferentes debido a los numerosos y diversos tipos de papilomavirus (más de 100). Las verrugas no son dolorosas, excepto cuando se localizan en los pies. La mayor parte de las verrugas desaparece, sin tratamien...
Visión General de Medicina Complementaria y Alternativa ¿Cuáles son los diferentes tipos de Medicina Complementaria y Alternativa (su sigla en inglés es CAM)? Muchos campos diferentes constituyen la práctica de la medicina complementaria y alternativa. Además, muchos componentes de un campo pueden sobreponerse con los componentes del otro (un ejemplo es la acupuntura). Los ejemplos de la CAM incluyen los siguientes: La Medicina Tradicional Alternativa - Este campo incluye las formas de terapia más acept...
Vital Signs (Body Temperature, Pulse Rate, Respiration Rate, Blood Pressure) What are vital signs? Vital signs are measurements of the body's most basic functions. The four main vital signs routinely monitored by medical professionals and health care providers include the following: Body temperature Pulse rate Respiration rate (rate of breathing) Blood pressure (Blood pressure is not considered a vital sign, but is often measured along with the vital signs.) Vital signs are useful in detecting or monito...
Viral Infections of the Skin Many types of viral skin infections require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Cold Sores Molluscum Contagiosum Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Warts
Take The Vocal Quiz Hoarseness is a general term that describes abnormal voice changes. When you are hoarse, your voice may sound breathy, raspy, or strained, or there may be changes in volume (loudness) or pitch (how high or low the voice is). 1. Excessive talking or yelling can strain or injure the vocal cords. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Other activities that can lead to vocal abuse (straining or injuring the vocal cords) include throat clearing, coughing, inha...
Vaginal Cancer Description What is cancer of the vagina? Cancer of the vagina , a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer ( malignant ) cells are found in the tissues of the vagina. The vagina is the passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods and through which a woman has babies. It is also called the "birth canal." The vagina connects the cervix (the opening of the womb or uterus ) and the vulva (the folds of skin around the opening to the vagina)....
Vulvar Cancer Description What is cancer of the vulva? Cancer of the vulva , a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer ( malignant ) cells are found in the vulva. The vulva is the outer part of a woman’s vagina. The vagina is the passage between the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows) and the outside of the body. It is also called the birth canal. Most women with cancer of the vulva are over age 50. However, it is becoming more common in women under age 40. Women...
vemurafenib A drug used to treat advanced melanoma that has a mutated (changed) form of a cell protein called BRAF. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Vemurafenib blocks this mutated protein, which may stop the growth of cancer cells. It is a type of kinase inhibitor and a type of targeted therapy agent. Also called BRAF (V600E) kinase inhibitor RO5185426, PLX4032, RG7204, and Zelboraf.
vesicant extravasation The leakage of certain drugs called vesicants out of a vein into the tissue around it. Vesicants cause blistering and other tissue injury that may be severe and can lead to tissue necrosis (tissue death).
vascularized autologous bone graft Bone tissue that contains blood vessels, taken from one part of the body and used to replace diseased or injured bone in another part of the body of the same person.
venous catheter A thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a large vein, usually in the arm, chest, or leg. It is used to give intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy and other drugs, and for taking blood samples. It avoids the need for repeated needle sticks.
virus-like particle A small particle that contains certain proteins from the outer coat of a virus. Virus-like particles do not contain any genetic material from the virus and cannot cause an infection. They are used to make vaccines that can help the body’s immune system kill microorganisms and certain cancer cells. Virus-like particles were used to make vaccines that prevent cervical cancer caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV). They were also used to make vaccines that prevent liver cancer caused b...
veliparib A substance being studied in the treatment of breast cancers caused by mutations (changes) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It blocks an enzyme involved in many functions of the cell, including the repair of DNA damage. DNA damage may be caused by normal cell actions, UV light, some anticancer drugs, and radiation used to treat cancer. Veliparib may cause cancer cells to die. It is a type of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor....
Vitex An extract made from the fruit of the chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) found in parts of Asia and Europe. It is claimed to treat infertility and to lessen symptoms that may occur before or during a woman’s menstrual period, such as headaches and irregular bleeding. Vitex may affect levels of reproductive hormones in the blood. It is a type of phytomedicine. Also called chaste tree berry and monk’s pepper.
vitespen A vaccine made from a patient’s tumor cells that may help the body’s immune system kill cancer cells. This vaccine is used to treat kidney cancer, a type of brain cancer called glioma, and metastatic melanoma (a type of skin cancer that has spread). It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Also called gp96 heat shock protein-peptide complex vaccine, gp96 HSP-peptide complex, and Oncophage.
VAMP An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination used with radiation therapy to treat low-risk childhood Hodgkin lymphoma. It includes the drugs vincristine sulfate, doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin), methotrexate, and prednisone. Also called VAMP regimen.
VAMP regimen An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination used with radiation therapy to treat low-risk childhood Hodgkin lymphoma. It includes the drugs vincristine sulfate, doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin), methotrexate, and prednisone. Also called VAMP.
VeIP An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination used to treat ovarian and testicular germ cell cancers that have spread. It includes the drugs vinblastine sulfate (Velban), ifosfamide (Ifex), cisplatin (Platinol), and mesna. Also called VeIP regimen.
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